Meteorites: Their Impact on Science and History [Paperback]

'… a lavishly illustrated coffee-table type book written by experts in the field of meteorites, and covers all aspects of their study by scientists. it will appeal to those with a keen or only passing interest in the field, as the presentation is excellent and well laid out throughout. many of the illustrations are new or from unfamiliar sources, which will not have been seen before … an excellent read.' Tony Ryan, Astronomy & Space

'… an exceptionally well illustrated text. The approach to the subject is distinctive and illuminating … a useful addition to the growing list of books on the subject of meteorites.' Richard Taylor, Spaceflight

'Meteorites is a colourful and often engaging book which covers, at a fairly accessible level, a great deal of ground.' Mark Garlick, Astronomy Now

'This book is one of the most lavishly illustrated texts on meteoritics that it has been my pleasure to read … [it] provides an excellent overview of the origin, nature, and significance of meteorites that is an easily accessible read for the interested public. I can also recommend its purchase to students of meteoritics, as a useful introduction to the field. It is also a valuable addition to the bookshelf of professional meterioriticists.' Monica Grady, The Observatory

What are these strange rocks that fall from the sky? Where do they come from? Are they a threat? What are they made of? How common are they? Throughout history, we have been fascinated by meteorites and their significance. As time has passed, we have learned more and more about these extraterrestrial objects and today, the scientific study of meteorites provides a wealth of information about the solar system. They reveal clues to some of the greatest scientific enigmas: the origin of life on Earth, the mass extinction of species, the nature and composition of asteroids, the conditions during the formation of the solar system, and the dust from stars that died long before our Sun formed. This most comprehensive guide to meteorites has been written by a team of experts. With the help of over two hundred full-colour photographs, diagrams and graphs, they will skillfully answer all your questions.

Throughout history, we have been fascinated by meteorites and their significance. Today, the study of meteorites provides a wealth of information about the solar system, revealing clues to some of the greatest scientific enigmas. This comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guide will expertly answer all your questions about these mysterious objects.

Brigitte Zanda is Associate Professor at the Mineralogy Laboratory of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, and Adjunct Member of the Graduate Faculty at Rutgers University. Following on from her PhD in Geochemistry, she has written many papers in Meteoritics and Planetary Science and other journals, and is a member of the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society.

Monica Rotaru is Department Chief of Earth Sciences at the Palais de la découverte in Paris, where she organises scientific exhibitions. After her PhD in geochemistry, she has conducted research in climatology and written television science documentaries.